Apple Extends Siri To 'Eyes Free' Vehicle System

Whether you're an Apple owner or not, you're probably familiar with Siri, the tinny, feminine voice inside the latest iPhone. It's difficult to turn on the television without seeing one of those Siri-celeb commercials that paints Siri out as a sort of robo-butler-extraordinaire. Turns out, this butler will be able to chaffeur you around as well as help you navigate the Web and create reminders.

At its World Wide Developers Conference this week, Apple introduced what it calls Eyes Free. The system integrates Siri technology into a variety of vehicles.

Unlike with the iPhone, or iPod before it, Apple hasn't attempted to reinvent the wheel or revolutionize a new tech sector. Instead, it integrates Siri within basic vehicle hardware, essentially delivering one more in-vehicle function.

With Eyes Free, drivers will have access to Siri at the flick of a hands-free button on their steering wheels. They'll be able to take advantage of the voice-based service to make calls, get directions, etc. without picking up their phones or toggling through any physical controls.

In the same keynote speech, Apple announced that Siri technology will get more robust. It will include new turn-by-turn spoken navigation, be available in additional languages and get new features like sports information (ask Siri the score of the game, ask for stats, etc.) and app launching.

Apple announced that a variety of major automakers are on board. BMW, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler are all partners.